Benford Arlon "B.A." Battles

Benford Arlon "B.A." Battles, 92, of Trenton, GA, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Born on March 13, 1934, to the late W. Herman and Velma Stone Battles, B.A. began his working life alongside his family on their Alabama farm. Throughout the years, he faithfully served his community in a variety of roles, including as a bellhop at the Castle in the Clouds Hotel (now Covenant College), a bus driver for Dade County Schools, and a tax preparer for H&R Block. He retired following dedicated careers with both the L&N Railroad (now CSX Transportation) and the United States Postal Service. A proud veteran of the United States Army, B.A. also devoted many years to mentoring local youth as a youth baseball coach. A faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, he was an ordained minister who served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. His unwavering faith in God was the foundation of his life and was evident in the way he loved and served others. B.A. enjoyed gardening, reading, working puzzles, and talking with his friends. He was a hardworking man of kindness, strength, faith, and joy who was always willing to lend a helping hand. On July 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Betty Lingerfelt Battles. Together they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in December 2025. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of love, devotion, and faithfulness. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, B.A. was preceded in death by his brother, Darryl Lavonne Battles, and sisters, Myrna Battles Johnson and Ann Battles Mitchell. Left to cherish his memory are his son and daughter-in-law, Lynn and Lisa Battles; sister and brother-in-law, Trena and Buddy Pollard; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net. The family would like to thank the host of friends who helped make the last chapter of his life so much happier by the care and compassion shown to Mr. Battles. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Tim Renshaw and Rev. Billy Wallace officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Lake Hills Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be shared at ryanfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Calvary Baptist Church or the Dade County Public Library. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 29th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour at Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.

Benford Arlon "B.A." Battles

March 13, 1934 - July 25, 2026